Copy of Unions and Co-ops Unite

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Transcript of Copy of Unions and Co-ops Unite

10-Years-Old, 200-member businesses...for an economy based on solidarity not exploitation...Businesses that are unionized and co-opCo-ops can help save the unionmovement, and vice-versa.The US Federation of Worker CooperativesWhat are union worker co-ops?What we've done in WorcesterBenefits to the community/workersBenefits to unions6 Co-op AcademiesEducation, organizing, incubationCooperation Worcester$1.25Wednesday, April 18, 2018Worcester, MAInspired by MondragonPrinciples and Social CommitteesUnions and Co-ops Unite!Marketing (anchors), Back-end support, Advocacy

Ecology of Worker Co-opsA Definition of Union Co-ops:“A co-op that incorporates a relationship with a labor union as a model of organizing the workers rights part of the business enterprise.” - Ed Whitfield, Fund for Democratic Communities

Cooperative Home Care Associates (NYC) and SEIU 1199 join forces in 1998 now over 2000 workers.Solidarity NewsUnion committees provide another mechanism for worker control.Management and workers can work together cooperatively to run the business, deal with grievances, conflict, HR, etc. Push for living wages.Better benefit packages.Union labels, bugs, etc.Networks and resources.Co-ops are countering race to the bottom trend. Co-ops are a pro-active approach. They provide a constructive way of dealing with closures and layoffs. Organizing drives have proven a good “bang for the buck” requiring few paid staff and higher rates of success than many kinds of organizing drives. Unions gain credibility and support of community organizations and allies working for family sustaining jobs. They are replicable and can spread through union and social movement networks.Living wage for all, real community ownership, justice.Our Vision for WorcesterLocal job creation with focus on communities hardest hit by de-industrialization, racism, xenophobia, sexism, and the prison system.Industrial renaissance: manufacturing, building re-purposingPurchase agreements from large institutionsConversion of existing businesses into co-ops - Local job retentionYouth training and leadershipPeople’s economy based in solidarity and social justice6000workersMember council:unioncoops.organd beyond...WooRides Co-opIntersection Cafe Co-opWorX (Union Co-op with United Stealworkers)1worker1vote.org